NBA $20,000 THURSDAY: TIPS & SELECTIONS
NBA Thursday is back with 20 teams set to take the court, highlighted by a huge inter-conference clash between the two MVP favourites when the Bucks face off with the Rockets.
In the East a big showdown sees the third place Pacers take on the fifth place Celtics.
There is $20,000 up for grabs in the Thursday jackpot tournament.
Joel Embiid – C – $21.490
The Process is the second most expensive player on the slate, but has a juicy match up against Washington in the second leg of a back to back. The Wizards concede the second most points per game in the NBA, and have the clear worst rebounding differential in the league as well. They lack depth and size in the front court, and it is hard see how anyone on their lineup can contain Embiid. He put up 20-10-4 in the first leg of these two games in just 24 minutes. He usually plays around 35 lately, so getting back to his usual court time he should be able to load up a big line.
Furkan Korkmaz – SG/SF – $7,000
Also looking to cash in on the struggling Wizards defense will be the Turkish youngster Korkmaz who has found himself a much bigger part of the rotation of late. Korkmaz has logged 20 or more minutes in his last three games, resulting in multiple double digit performances, while also chipping in with boards and assists. He put up 16-2-4 with three from deep in the first game of this back to back. With J.J Reddick missing yesterday’s game, and potentially out of action here again, Philly who are already short on shooting will be down their best trigger man against, resulting in more potential opportunities for Korkmaz.
Lauri Markkanen – PF – $11,500
There has been some quiet nights recently for Markkanen,excluding one 27 point explosion he has been held under 20 points in six of his last seven games. It is only a matter of time before the Finnish marksman goes off again, and the Blazers actually seem like a good target with a defense currently ranked 16th in the league in points allowed per game. The Bulls guards are going to have a busy night dealing with the dynamic duo of Lillard and McCollum which may lead to them further leaning on Markkanen also. He’s a cheap price for the potential big point haul he can easily produce.
Blake Griffin – PF/C – $16,400
Griffin is coming off back to back games where he has put up 34 points and logged 37 minutes or more in his last three games. The Lakers defensive woes are particularly prevalent up front, and the likes of JaVale McGee and Tyson Chandler are going to have their hands very full dealing with Andre Drummond on the inside all night who has been in punishing form himself. That frees up Griffin to continue to rack up the points, particularly with his now potent game from beyond the arc. If he doesn’t tickle your fancy, then look at Drummond as well. They’re both likely to feast in this contest.
Kevin Huerter – SG – $8,400
Huerter missed the Hawks last game with a lower back strain, but was listed as probably beforehand indicating the issue isn’t too severe. Before missing that contest, he had found himself playing huge minutes of late averaging 38 minutes a game over his last four. This produced a couple of big performances, a 22 point haul, and a near triple double in his last game going 10-8-7 with three steals as well. Huerter is a potent three point threat when he is on and clearly has the go ahead to hoist them up from deep. Sometimes he cashes in, sometimes he does come up short but the potential is there with the big minutes at a cheapish price for a good return.
Enter the NBA $20,000 Thursday tournament.
NBA SCORING SYSTEM
Point Scored = 1 point
Missed Field Goal = -0.25 points
Missed Free Throw = -0.25 points
Assist = 1.5 points
Rebound = 1.25 points
Turnover = -0.5 points
Steal = 2 points
Block = 2 points
3 Point Made Bonus = 1 point
Double-Double = 2 points
Triple-Double = 2 points
NBA